Washing machine appliance with an accessible reservoir

ABSTRACT

The present subject matter provides an appliance with a base or pedestal that defines a cavity. A reservoir configured for receipt of a fluid additive (e.g., detergent) is disposed in the cavity such that the reservoir is accessible from outside of the cavity. The reservoir is in fluid communication with a wash chamber of the appliance such that fluid additive from reservoir may be selectively delivered to the wash chamber.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter is directed to a washing machine appliance with a user accessible compartment for bulk fluid dispensing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing machine appliances generally include a cabinet with a wash tub mounted therein. A wash basket is rotatably mounted within the wash tub and configured for receipt of articles for washing. During operation of the appliance, the wash tub can contain washing fluid. The washing fluid can include a variety of fluid additives, e.g., detergent, fabric softener, and/or bleach.

Fluid additive can be added to the appliance in several ways. For example, a user can pour fluid additive directly into the appliance's wash basket. Conversely, certain washing machine appliances include a drawer or other inlet configured for receipt of fluid additive. A user can add fluid additive to the appliance by pouring fluid additive into the drawer. The drawer is in fluid communication with the wash tub and directs fluid additive to wash tub during operation of the appliance. The drawer is generally configured for receipt of an amount of fluid additive sufficient for a single load of laundry.

Thus, for each load of laundry, a user must generally add an amount of fluid additive necessary to properly clean articles disposed in the wash basket prior to starting the appliance. However, adding fluid additive to the drawer or directly into the wash basket prior to each load of laundry can be inconvenient and time consuming. Accordingly, a washing machine appliance with features for containing an amount of fluid additive sufficient for multiple loads of laundry would be useful—i.e. a washing machine appliance with features for bulk fluid additive dispensing.

However, large volumes of fluid additive (i.e., an amount of fluid additive sufficient for multiple loads of laundry) can be cumbersome and heavy. Thus, lifting a large volume of fluid additive can be inconvenient or difficult. Accordingly, a washing machine appliance with features for limiting the need to lift and/or transfer large volumes of fluid additive would be beneficial.

Also, large volumes of fluid additive can have an unpleasant cosmetic appearance. For example, certain consumers might find a large container of fluid additive unsightly. Thus, a washing machine appliance with features for conveniently and/or accessibly storing large volumes of fluid additive within the appliance's cabinet would be useful. In addition, certain washing machine appliances include a pedestal positioned below the appliance's cabinet that supports the appliance. Thus, a washing machine appliance with features for conveniently and/or accessibly storing large volumes of fluid additive within the appliance's pedestal would be useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In a first embodiment, a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a cabinet extending between a base and a top. The cabinet defines a cavity positioned proximate the base of the cabinet. The cabinet also defines an opening. The opening permits access to the cavity. A wash tub is received in the cabinet above the cavity. The wash tub is configured for containing a fluid used in a washing process. A wash basket is mounted in the wash tub. The wash basket is configured for the receipt of articles during the washing process and for rotation about an axis. A drawer is received within the cavity of said cabinet. A reservoir is mounted on the drawer. The reservoir is configured for receipt of a fluid additive used in the washing process. A pump is in fluid communication with the reservoir and the wash tub. The pump is configured for selective delivery of the fluid additive from the reservoir to the wash tub during operation of the appliance. Additionally, the drawer is configured for selective adjustment between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The reservoir is disposed within the cavity when the drawer is in the closed configuration, and the reservoir is at least partially disposed outside of the cavity when the drawer is in the open configuration.

In a second embodiment, a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a cabinet extending between a top and a bottom. A wash tub is received in the cabinet and configured for containing a fluid used in a washing process. A wash basket is mounted in the wash tub. The wash basket is configured for the receipt of articles during the washing process and for rotation about an axis. A pedestal is positioned beneath the bottom of the cabinet. The pedestal is configured for supporting the cabinet. The pedestal extends between a front and a back. The pedestal defines a cavity and also defines an opening positioned adjacent the front of the pedestal. The opening permits access to the cavity. A drawer is received within the cavity of the pedestal. A reservoir is mounted on the drawer. The reservoir is configured for receipt of a fluid additive used in the washing process. A pump is in fluid communication with the reservoir and the wash tub. The pump is configured for selective delivery of the fluid additive from the reservoir to the wash tub during operation of the appliance. Additionally, the drawer is configured for selective adjustment between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The reservoir is disposed within the cavity when the drawer is in the closed configuration, and the reservoir is at least partially disposed outside of the cavity when the drawer is in the open configuration.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter and, in particular, illustrates an exemplary base of the washing machine appliance.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the base of the washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 with an exemplary drawer of the base in a closed configuration such that an exemplary reservoir is disposed within a cavity of the base.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the base of the washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 with a drawer of the base in an open configuration such that a reservoir is at least in part disposed outside of the cavity of the base.

FIG. 4 provides an exploded view of the drawer of the base shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter provides an appliance with a base or pedestal that defines a cavity. A reservoir configured for receipt of a fluid additive (e.g., detergent) is disposed in the cavity such that the reservoir is accessible from outside of the cavity. The reservoir is in fluid communication with a wash chamber of the appliance such that fluid additive from reservoir may be selectively delivered to the wash chamber. Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100. However, while described in the context of a specific embodiment of horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100, using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances having different configurations, different appearances, and/or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well, e.g., a vertical axis washing machine appliance. In addition, the teachings disclosed herein may be used with other appliances as well, e.g., a dishwasher appliance.

Washing machine appliance 100 has a cabinet 102 with a drum 120 rotatably mounted therein. Cabinet 102 extends between a top 150 and a bottom 152. A pedestal or base 200 is positioned adjacent bottom 152 of cabinet 102 beneath drum 120. Thus, base 200 supports cabinet 102. It should be understood that while in FIG. 1 base 200 is defined by cabinet 102, in alternative embodiments, base 200 can be distinct element of washing machine appliance 100.

A motor (not shown) is in mechanical communication with drum 120 in order to selectively rotate drum 120 (e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance 100). Drum 120 defines a wash chamber 121 that is configured for receipt of articles for washing. Ribs 126 extend from drum 120 into wash chamber 121. Ribs 126 assist agitation of articles disposed within wash chamber 121 during operation of washing machine appliance 100. For example, ribs 126 may lift articles disposed in drum 120 during rotation of drum 120. Drum 120 also defines a plurality of holes 124. Holes 124 are configured to permit a flow of wash fluid between an interior of drum 120 and an exterior of drum 120.

Cabinet 102 of washing machine appliance 100 has a front panel 104. A drawer 106 is slidably mounted within front panel 104. Drawer 106 receives detergent and/or other fluid additives (e.g., fabric softener or bleach) and directs the fluid additive to wash chamber 121 during operation of appliance 100. As discussed in greater detail below, washing machine appliance 100 has additional features for dispensing detergent and/or other fluid additives.

Front panel 104 defines an opening 105 that permits user access to wash chamber 121 of drum 120. A door 130 is mounted to front panel 104 with a hinge 140. Door 130 permits selective access to wash chamber 121. A window 136 in door 130 permits viewing of wash chamber 121, e.g., during operation of appliance 100. Door 130 also includes a handle 132 that, e.g., a user may pull when opening and closing door 130. Latch 134 is configured for selectively securing door 120 in a closed configuration (i.e., a configuration in which door 120 is positioned adjacent front panel 104).

Front panel 104 also includes a control panel 110 with a plurality of input selectors 112. Control panel 110 and input selectors 112 collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. A display 114 of control panel 130 indicates selected features, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to appliance users.

Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by a controller or processing device (not shown), that is operatively coupled to control panel 110 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel 110, the controller operates the various components of washing machine appliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features.

In an illustrative embodiment, laundry items are loaded into wash chamber 121, and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors 112. Drum 120 is filled with water and detergent to form a wash fluid. One or more valves (not shown) can be controlled by washing machine appliance 100 to provide for filling drum 120 to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed. Once drum 120 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash chamber 121 are agitated with ribs 126 for cleansing of laundry items in drum 120.

After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, drum 120 is drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to drum 120, depending on the particulars of the cleaning cycle selected by a user, ribs 126 may again provide agitation within wash chamber 121. One or more spin cycles may also be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and/or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin cycle, drum 120 is rotated at relatively high speeds.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate base 200 of washing machine appliance 100 shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2 a drawer 220 of base 200 is shown in a closed configuration. In FIG. 3, drawer 220 of base 200 is shown in an open configuration.

Base 200 extends between a front 202 and a back 204. As discussed above, base 220 supports cabinet 102 of appliance 100 (shown in FIG. 1). Accordingly, in FIGS. 2 and 3, a frame 208 of base 200 is constructed of metal (e.g., steel). However, in alternative embodiments, frame 208 can be constructed of any suitable material, e.g., plastic.

An access opening 206 (shown in FIG. 3) is defined by base 200 adjacent front 202 of base 200. Access opening 206 permits a user to access a cavity 210 defined by base 200. Drawer 220 is slidably received within cavity 210 through access opening 206. Drawer 220 is mounted to a slide 230 in order to assist drawer 220 in selectively shifting from the closed configuration shown in FIG. 2 to the open configuration shown in FIG. 3 and vice versa. However, it should be understood that drawer 220 may be mounted to base 200 in any suitable manner. For example, drawer 220 may rotate (e.g., using a hinge) between the open configuration and the closed configuration rather than slide as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Drawer 220 includes a front piece 222. As shown in FIG. 2, in the closed configuration, front piece 222 is positioned adjacent front 202 of base 200. As may be seen in FIG. 1, front piece 222 has a substantially similar profile to front panel 104. Thus, as shown in FIG. 1, in the closed configuration, front piece 222 has an exterior surface 224 that is substantially flush with front panel 104 of cabinet 102. Accordingly, front piece 222 and front panel 104 may have a similar appearance in the closed configuration, e.g., to improve the cosmetic appeal of appliance 100.

As may be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, a reservoir 240 is mounted within drawer 220. Reservoir 240 is configured for receipt of a fluid additive (e.g., detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable liquid) for use during operation of washing machine appliance 100 (shown in FIG. 1). Reservoir 240 is mounted to drawer 220 such that reservoir 240 may be selectively removed from cavity 210 through access opening 206. Thus, when drawer 220 is in the closed configuration shown in FIG. 2, reservoir 240 is disposed within cavity 210. On the other hand, when drawer 220 is in the open configuration shown in FIG. 3, reservoir 240 is disposed at least partially outside of cavity 210. As discussed in greater detail below, when drawer 220 is in the open configuration, for certain embodiments, reservoir 240 may be selectively removed from drawer 220 and/or filled with fluid additive.

A pump 250 is in fluid communication with reservoir 240 and wash chamber 121 of drum 120 (shown in FIG. 1). During operation of appliance 100, pump 250 may selectively direct fluid additive disposed in reservoir 240 to wash chamber 121. For example, during a wash cycle of appliance 100, fluid additive disposed in reservoir 240 may be urged into wash chamber 121 by pump 250 to assist in cleaning articles disposed in wash chamber 121.

Pump 250 is in fluid communication with reservoir 240 via conduit 252. Conduit 252 may be a hose, pipe, duct, or any other suitable conduit. As may be seen in FIG. 2, in the closed configuration, conduit 252 is in fluid communication with reservoir 250 and may direct a flow of fluid additive from reservoir 240 to pump 250. However, as may be seen in FIG. 3, in the open configuration, a tip 254 of conduit 252 is spaced apart from reservoir 240 such that conduit cannot direct fluid additive from reservoir 240 to pump 250. However, in alternative embodiment, conduit 252 may be secured to drawer 220 and/or reservoir 240 such that conduit can direct fluid additive from reservoir 240 to pump 250 in the open configuration.

As discussed above, reservoir 240 is configured for receipt and storage of fluid additive. For example, when drawer 220 is in the open configuration shown in FIG. 3, a user can fill reservoir 240 with fluid additive through fill hole 241. Alternatively, reservoir 240 may be disposable such that prefilled reservoirs are sold with a suitable volume of fluid additive. Thus, when drawer 220 is in the open configuration shown in FIG. 2, the user can remove an empty reservoir from drawer 220 and replace the empty reservoir with a prefilled reservoir (e.g., purchased at a store). After filling reservoir 250 with fluid additive or replacing the empty reservoir, the user can adjust drawer 220 to the closed configuration shown in FIG. 2 in order to permit pump 250 to send the fluid additive within the reservoir 250 to the wash chamber 121 during operation of appliance 100.

Reservoir 240 is sized such that a volume of fluid additive sufficient for a plurality or multitude of wash cycles of appliance 100 (e.g., five, ten, twenty, fifty, or any other suitable number of wash cycles) can fill reservoir 240. Thus, for example, a user can fill reservoir 240 with fluid additive and operate appliance 100 for a plurality of wash cycles without refilling reservoir 240 with fluid additive.

Also, an additional reservoir 242 is disposed on drawer 220. Additional reservoir 242 is substantially identical to reservoir 240 and operates in the same manner as reservoir 240 described above. However, additional reservoir 242 may contain an additional fluid additive. For example, reservoir 240 may contain detergent while additional reservoir 242 may contain fabric softener. Alternatively, additional reservoir 242 may contain the same fluid additive as reservoir 240.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of drawer 220 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. As may be seen in FIG. 4, reservoir 240 may be selectively removed from drawer 220. For example, the user can lift reservoir 240 off drawer 220 in order to fill reservoir 240 with fluid additive or replace an empty reservoir with a prefilled reservoir. Additional reservoir 242 is similarly removable.

Also shown in FIG. 4 is a hood 260. Hood 260 is configured for covering drawer 220 and reservoir 240. Thus, hood 260 separates drawer 220 and reservoir 240 from other portions of cavity 210. For example, cavity 210 may contain components (e.g., a motor or pump 250) of appliance 100 from which hood 260 isolates drawer 220 and reservoir 240.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A washing machine appliance comprising: a cabinet extending between a base and a top, said cabinet defining a cavity positioned proximate the base of said cabinet, said cabinet also defining an opening, the opening permitting access to the cavity; a wash tub received in said cabinet above said cavity and configured for containing a fluid used in a washing process; a wash basket mounted in said wash tub, said wash basket configured for the receipt of articles during the washing process and for rotation about an axis; a drawer received within the cavity of said cabinet, said drawer being configured for selective adjustment between an open configuration and a closed configuration; a reservoir mounted on said drawer, said reservoir configured for receipt of a fluid additive used in the washing process, said reservoir being disposed within the cavity when said drawer is in the closed configuration, said reservoir being at least partially disposed outside of the cavity when said drawer is in the open configuration; and a pump in fluid communication with said reservoir and said wash tub, said pump configured for selective delivery of the fluid additive from said reservoir to said wash tub during operation of the appliance.
 2. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein said reservoir is configured for receipt of a volume of the fluid additive sufficient for a plurality of wash cycles of the appliance.
 3. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein said reservoir is removably mounted to said drawer such that said reservoir may be selectively removed from said drawer.
 4. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, further comprising an additional reservoir configured for receipt of an additional fluid additive used in the washing process, said additional reservoir supported by said drawer and in fluid communication with said pump.
 5. The washing machine appliance of claim 4, further comprising a front panel mounted to said drawer and positioned adjacent the opening in the closed configuration.
 6. The washing machine appliance of claim 4, further comprising a slide rail slidably mounting said drawer to said cabinet.
 7. The washing machine appliance of claim 4, wherein said drawer is rotatably mounted to said cabinet.
 8. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the axis is substantially vertical and the washing machine appliance is a vertical axis washing machine appliance.
 9. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the axis is substantially horizontal and the washing machine appliance is a horizontal axis washing machine appliance.
 10. A washing machine appliance comprising: a cabinet extending between a top and a bottom; a wash tub received in said cabinet and configured for containing a fluid used in a washing process; a wash basket mounted in said wash tub, said wash basket configured for the receipt of articles during the washing process and for rotation about an axis; a pedestal positioned beneath the bottom of said cabinet and configured for supporting said cabinet, said pedestal extending between a front and a back, said pedestal defining a cavity, said pedestal also defining an opening positioned adjacent the front of said pedestal, the opening permitting access to the cavity; a drawer received within the cavity of said pedestal; a reservoir mounted on said drawer, said reservoir configured for receipt of a fluid additive used in the washing process; and a pump in fluid communication with said reservoir and said wash tub, said pump configured for selective delivery of the fluid additive from said reservoir to said wash tub during operation of the appliance, wherein: said drawer is configured for selective adjustment between an open configuration and a closed configuration, said reservoir being disposed within the cavity when said drawer is in the closed configuration, said reservoir being at least partially disposed outside of the cavity when said drawer is in the open configuration.
 11. The washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein said reservoir is configured for receipt of a volume of the fluid additive sufficient for a plurality of wash cycles of the appliance.
 12. The washing machine appliance of claim 11, further comprising an additional reservoir configured for receipt of an additional fluid additive used in the washing process, said additional reservoir supported by said drawer and in fluid communication with said pump.
 13. The washing machine appliance of claim 14, further comprising a front panel mounted to said drawer and positioned adjacent the opening of said pedestal.
 14. The washing machine appliance of claim 14, further comprising a slide rail mounting said drawer to said pedestal such that said drawer is slidingly mounted to said pedestal.
 15. The washing machine appliance of claim 14, wherein said drawer is rotatably mounted to said pedestal.
 16. The washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein the axis is substantially vertical and the washing machine appliance is a vertical axis washing machine appliance.
 17. The washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein the axis is substantially horizontal and the washing machine appliance is a horizontal axis washing machine appliance. 